What does an ulcer feel like?

What does an ulcer feel like?

Introduction: Understanding Ulcers and Why a Holistic Approach is Important

Ulcers are painful sores that form on the inner lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. If left untreated, ulcers can cause significant discomfort and lead to further health issues. At Patients Medical in New York City, we offer a holistic, integrative approach that goes beyond just treating the symptoms. By identifying the root causes of ulcers, we help our patients manage and heal their condition naturally and effectively.

Understanding what an ulcer feels like can be the first step in seeking appropriate treatment. Our expert team combines conventional, holistic, and functional medicine to help you find lasting relief.

What Is an Ulcer?

An ulcer is a sore or lesion that develops on the mucous lining of the digestive tract. It occurs when stomach acid or digestive enzymes irritate the lining of the stomach or intestine. There are two common types:

  • Peptic Ulcer: A general term for both gastric and duodenal ulcers, which affect the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, respectively.
  • Gastric Ulcer: Found on the stomach lining.
  • Duodenal Ulcer: Found in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Ulcers are typically caused by a bacterial infection, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive alcohol consumption.

What does an ulcer feel like?

What Does an Ulcer Feel Like?

The symptoms of an ulcer can vary, but there are several common experiences that may indicate you are suffering from one. These include:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to prevent further complications.

Root Causes: Why Do You Have an Ulcer?

Functional medicine helps identify the root causes of ulcers, not just the symptoms. Here are some of the common factors contributing to ulcer development:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A bacterial infection is one of the leading causes of ulcers. H. pylori disrupts the stomach lining and increases acid production.
  • Long-term use of NSAIDs: Medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can weaken the stomach lining, increasing the risk of ulcers.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to ulcers.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can increase stomach acid production and disrupt the digestive system, potentially leading to ulcers.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in spicy foods, caffeine, and acidic foods can irritate the stomach lining.
  • Smoking: Smoking reduces the effectiveness of the stomach’s natural defense mechanisms, increasing the risk of ulcers.
Root Causes: Why Do You Have an Ulcer?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To accurately diagnose the cause of your ulcer and determine the best treatment plan, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including:

Endoscopy: A procedure that allows doctors to examine the stomach lining for ulcers and other abnormalities.

H. pylori testing: Blood, breath, or stool tests can confirm the presence of an H. pylori infection.

Blood tests: To check for anemia caused by internal bleeding.

Upper GI series: A series of X-rays taken after drinking a contrast medium that highlights the stomach and intestines.

Integrative Treatments for Ulcers

At Patients Medical, we focus on healing ulcers naturally by addressing the root causes. Our integrative treatment approach combines dietary modifications, stress management, and advanced functional medicine techniques.

Nutritional Therapy

We create personalized anti-inflammatory, gut-healing nutrition plans tailored to your metabolism and specific needs. This can include:

  • Low-acid diets: To reduce irritation of the stomach lining.
  • Gut-healing foods: Bone broth, fermented foods, and fiber-rich vegetables that support gut health.
  • Avoiding trigger foods: Such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which can worsen ulcer symptoms.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We recommend supplements and herbs that promote ulcer healing and reduce inflammation, including:

  • Licorice root: Known for its soothing and protective effect on the stomach lining.
  • Slippery elm: Supports mucosal health and relieves stomach discomfort.
  • Probiotics: To restore balance to the gut and support immune function.
  • L-glutamine: An amino acid that helps repair the gut lining.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Chronic stress can aggravate ulcers, so we incorporate therapies to help balance the body’s stress response, including:

  • Acupuncture
  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Breathing exercises

Antibiotics (If Necessary)

If your ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, we may recommend a course of antibiotics in combination with other natural treatments.

Real Case Study: Tom’s Journey to Ulcer Relief

Tom, age 47, came to us with frequent stomach pain and nausea that had been affecting his daily life. After diagnostic testing, we found that Tom had a duodenal ulcer caused by an H. pylori infection.

We developed a comprehensive treatment plan for Tom, including:

  • Antibiotic therapy to address the H. pylori infection
  • A gut-healing diet to reduce inflammation
  • Probiotic supplementation to restore gut health
  • Stress management techniques to reduce stomach acid production

Three months later, Tom was free of pain, had regained his appetite, and felt healthier overall, with his ulcer completely healed.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Ulcers are most commonly caused by an H. pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs. Stress, smoking, and alcohol can also increase the risk.

If you experience burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or dark stools, you may have an ulcer. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis.

If untreated, ulcers can lead to complications like internal bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. Seeking treatment early is essential for preventing these risks.

While stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it can increase stomach acid production, which may exacerbate existing ulcers.

Avoid spicy foods, acidic foods (like citrus and tomatoes), caffeine, and alcohol, as these can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms.

Some ulcers may heal with proper care, but it is essential to address the root cause and avoid further damage to the stomach lining.

With appropriate treatment, most ulcers heal within 4-6 weeks.

Yes, dietary changes, herbal supplements, probiotics, and stress management techniques can all support ulcer healing naturally.

Yes, smoking can impair the healing of ulcers and increase the risk of developing them in the first place.

Most ulcers can be treated effectively with medications and natural remedies. Surgery is typically only needed in severe cases where complications arise.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

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To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

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Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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